Virginia Beach...More Than Just the Strip!
Written: Jan 23 '06 (Updated Jan 23 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Natural beauty, state parks, fishing, near everything!
Cons: A bit overcrowded...umm..okay...a LOT!
The Bottom Line: Virginia Beach is much more than just the oceanfront. It is worth a closer look!
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| joylein's Full Review: Virginia Beach |
After living in the crowded Tidewater region of Virginia for just over a year now, I must say that it has grown on me. The area could certainly not be described as quaint, but it is exciting. One is never at a loss for things to do in Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. Whether it is the beach, shopping, or dining out that one has in mind, Virginia Beach has it all...sort of...
It is Not Just The Strip, Folks!
Before I moved to the Tidewater area, I heard many ugly things about Virginia Beach and I believed them! I thought it might well be the tackiest place on Earth…and I had never really been there for an extended stay. I was basing everything on word of mouth.
Virginia Beach is not for everyone, but it does have a lot to offer. You might be pleasantly surprised.
One must appreciate Virginia Beach for what it is. It is not just a tiny strip of overdeveloped oceanfront like it is commonly thought to be. Virginia Beach is, in fact, one of the largest cities in Virginia in terms of both size and population. It has a population of nearly half a million people and counting!
There are many different parts of Virginia Beach, some of which are not even on the ocean! Lakes and parks are abundant.
People often categorize it as just a gaudy, tacky, run of the mill tourist trap...I think that is a bit harsh. Although I was initially unimpressed with the oceanfront, it is obvious that a lot of work has gone into improving the oceanfront itself in the past decade.
Virginia Beach has been a popular tourism spot since the 1880’s, so there must be a good reason why…
The Strip
The Oceanfront itself is a bit overdeveloped. It may not be the most picturesque spot one will ever lay his or her eyes on. Unfortunately, one cannot really see the ocean until he or she walks behind all the high rise hotels and other buildings. It is certainly no Hilton Head or Jekyll Island, but is more like Myrtle Beach proper on a smaller scale. In the summer, the Oceanfront caters to a younger crowd and families. It is laden with the typical ice cream shops and trinket stores, as are many tourist spots. If it is a quiet getaway you are looking for, this may not be the spot for you.
Having said all that, I feel that the Oceanfront is truly an underappreciated place. The once narrow beaches have been widened, and the boardwalk has been redone not long ago, and it is really very nice. One can walk, bike, or rollerblade along the three mile area on the boardwalk . It is really quite nice! Visitors can rent bikes or skates, if they so desire.
The beach is surprisingly clean and well maintained. Although you will not find the sparkling white sand found much further south, the beach is nice. Much of the sand has been replenished, and is a light yellowish color. I have read reviews complaining about the lack of cleanliness at the beaches. I was expecting to see filthy beaches and was surprised to find that the beaches were quite clean and free of debris. You will find the occasional cigarette butt, but I beg you to find a public beach where a cigarette butt cannot be found. I really feel that the beach is well kept up.
There is a great variety of entertainment going on at the Oceanfront, especially in the summer. Festivals such as art shows in June and the Neptune Festival in September are great fun.
I went to the Neptune Festival this year, and was truly amazed at the turnout. There was a parade, great food, arts and crafts, and an amazing sand castle building competition. Those building the sand castled traveled from as far away as Canada and Washington State. It was a blast! Live music can be found almost anytime during the summer, as well.
Other activities include the Budweiser Volleyball Tournament, and the East Coast Surfing Championships, which are great to watch. A lot of huge competitions take place in Virginia Beach…I was really surprised! This is an East Coast Mecca of sorts!
Overall, I must say that the beaches and Oceanfront are a true delight once you look past the wall of high rises. It is a fun place to hang out, and the sunset is just as beautiful here as anywhere else. I like Virginia Beach a lot.
Parking Nightmare
One thing that unfortunately needs work is the parking…or shall I say lack thereof. It gets extremely crowded at VA Beach in the summer, and a lot of the parking is metered or found in lots where you have to pay. As early as March, parking is a hassle. In the summer it can be described as nothing other than a nightmare. It is truly awful.
I have had friends who have been towed from this area. Be prepared and bring plenty of change for meters or parking…you will need it! You can find parking where you will not have to pay, but it is hard to come by.
Fishing
If you like fishing, you will be in heaven in Virginia Beach. The Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay come together here. Some of the best fishing in the world can be found near the James River Bridge. Bring your own boat (fishing license required) or rent a charter. It is a great time!
One can fish in the Elizabeth River or over by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge...a truly great spot.
We take our 24' Performer out frequently in warmer weather. I am not a great fisher yet, but I am learning. I have caught a few croaker!
There is a fishing pier at 15th street and the boardwalk that is really nice. It gets really packed in the summer, so come early.
State Parks
You cannot visit Virginia Beach without visiting First Landing State Park. This is a huge park that offers beachfront camping, canoeing, and horseback riding…and more. It is serenely beautiful.
There are hiking and biking trails here. It is a natural beauty. There is a reason it is Virginia’s most visited state park.
Nature lovers take note…you must visit!
Where To Stay
There are plenty of hotels and motels in Virginia Beach. Be sure to book early, because it gets busy, busy, busy! I will describe a few, but you have many choices.
There is a brand new Hilton on the Oceanfront and it is gorgeous. It is very expensive, but it is worth it. I think rates start in the two hundreds. It is at 31 Oceanfront. It has a pool up on the roof of one of the floors. Even the lobby is amazing in this place. It is sparking and modern. I was blown away when entering this place. Summer rates are sky high, but it looks to be worth every dime. There is a restaurant on site that looks awesome. Check it out if you can.
The Cavalier Hotel is an old throwback to the days of elegance. It was built in 1937, I believe, and it is gorgeous as well. It was recently renovated. The old part is located on a hill across from the ocean…hence it is called Cavalier on the Hill. It is a six-story brick building that is simply elegant. There is also a tower that was built much later right on the beach. It is said to be haunted!
The Founders Inn is located on Indian River Road. It is not on the beach. In fact, it is around fifteen minutes from the Beach, or about twelve miles away. It is colonial style and is quite lovely. The grounds are landscaped beautifully. Rates start at $135 an night, I believe.
There are many other hotels including a Ramada Inn, Howard Johnson, and a Doubletree. Depending on your budget, there is a hotel for you.
Let’s Eat
There are so many places to eat in Virginia Beach that it would take me forever to list them all. From casual to upscale, you will find a place to eat.
For Oceanfront dining I would recommend Mahi-Mah’s in the Ramada on Atlantic Avenue (right on the ocean) is a great casual and fun place. Prices are a bit high, but it really fun. You can get steak or seafood, and there is a sushi bar. The calamari is awesome.
There is a Melting Pot Restaurant, Italian restaurants galore, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, rib places and more all in Virginia Beach. You will also find your share of chain restaurants if you so desire.
Many restaurants can be found near the oceanfront and beyond.
Livin’ it up in VA Beach!
Virginia Beach is a great place to live and work should you decide to stay a while. Don’t mind what its detractors say…
Virginia Beach is home at times to rap star and Portsmouth native Missy Elliot. Rudy from survivor (the former Navy SEAL) also calls VA Beach home. There are many areas in which fine homes with million dollar plus price tags can be found…as well as more affordable areas.
Detractors would be stunned to look upon the natural beauty of the Princess Anne and Sandbridge areas, which are not as overdeveloped as some parts of the beach. The Lynnhaven area is also quite lovely.
Virginia Beach boasts one of the top school systems in the nation...I should know because I work in it. The system is frequently rated by outperforming by Standard & Poor. They expect a lot of their teachers, and it shows. You will find very few uncertified teachers in this system! Schools are top notch, and programs to support students of all abilities are abundant. Four high schools in the Virginia Beach system are among the nation’s top thousand high schools in the nation! That speaks volumes.
From Great Neck to Pungo, you will find some amazing real estate in Virginia Beach. Property holds its value here, and is always in demand. Whether you want urban, waterfront, riverfront, or lakefront, you can find it in Virginia Beach.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
The shopping in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas is great. There are several malls, including the Pembroke Mall and Lynnhaven Mall. MacArthur Center, an upscale shopping mall, is located in nearby Norfolk.
The Greenbrier Mall and Chesapeake Square are located in Chesapeake, which is not far away.
Some of the best shopping around can be found in the Hilltop area where there are several sections. Upscale dress shops, a Fresh Market, Stein Mart and more can be found at Hilltop.
I cannot say that the shopping is the best around, but it is pretty good. If you know what you are looking for, you will find it in Virginia Beach!
Sandbridge…Escape from It All
For those such as myself who favor the less crowded beaches, there is a haven called Sandbridge in the southern part of Virginia Beach. It is unspoiled by high rise hotels, and is more like the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The beaches are not nearly as crowded, as it is much more residential.
I really love Sandbridge. It is like a tranquil oasis in a sea of people to me.
In the Sandbridge area you will find the Back Bay national wildlife refuge and False Cape State Park. If you love unspoiled natural areas, please do not miss these areas. They are fantastic and wildly beautiful.
Wild horses roam the area in the refuge. It is a beautiful site!
Not as many people know about the Sandbridge area, so it is a nice getaway!
Near it All
There is so much to do in Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas that you will never be bored.
Not only are there many attractions in Virginia Beach, such as the Aquarium, but there are many attractions within driving distance in surrounding cities. Norfolk, Newport News, and Colonial Williamsburg are all just a short drive away.
Amusement parks such as Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion in Richmond are close by.
Nauticus in Norfolk, the Waterman’s Museum in Newport News, and the Hampton Air and Space Museum are just a few sites to check out on your visit.
Virginia Beach is in a great location…check out the beach one day, and take a day-trip the next! There is so much to do!
Getting There
Virginia Beach is easy to get to, should you decide to go. From the west, US 64, 460 and 58 are the best routes. If traveling from the north you can take US 13 across the Bay Bridge for and amazing journey. US 85 and 95 may be used to get there, as they connect with 64 at some point...which will lead you to 264 East and the Oceanfront.
Got that?!
Adieu
Whew! I have exhausted myself with telling you about all the sites, sounds, and tastes of Virginia Beach. I really must say that after much exploration, it is a great place. It is well worth a visit.
This place has grown on me, and there is good reason.
Although Virginia Beach May not be Montecito or Amelia Island, it is fabulous in its own way. It has a lot to offer. Please don’t overlook it…and come visit! I expect a great review when you return!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
joylein
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Location: Tidewater Area of Virginia USA!
Reviews written: 56
Trusted by: 49 members
About Me:
Alas, The Summer is Just Slipping Away...
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